Leading with Heart and Vision: A Conversation with Dixon Appointments’ New General Manager, Jules Seletto

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After more than 25 years of shaping careers and connecting exceptional talent with opportunity, Dixon Appointments is entering an exciting new chapter. At the helm is Jules Seletto, a seasoned leader with deep roots in recruitment, culture transformation and business growth. 

Jules joins Dixon as General Manager, bringing with her decades of leadership experience across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and a passion for building businesses that thrive through people. In this candid Q&A, Jules shares her journey, her philosophy on leadership and what’s ahead for Dixon Appointments as the business continues to evolve. 

From Recruiter to Leader: A Journey Built on People

Q: You’ve spent your career in recruitment and leadership. What inspired your journey to this point and to Dixon?

Jules’ response:

My career has always revolved around people. I started in recruitment surrounded by incredible leaders and mentors who showed me the power of connection, the idea that when you truly engage with people, you unlock their potential. That early experience shaped everything that’s followed. 

I moved into leadership fairly quickly, leading teams across Australia, New Zealand and even Singapore. Whether it was driving cultural transformation or building start-ups, each chapter demanded different skills but always came back to the same core principle: people first. 

Eventually, I co-founded an HR and tech recruitment start-up that went on to become a BRW Fast Starter within two years. Building that business from the ground up was a pivotal moment, it taught me what’s possible with vision, strong culture and grit. I spent the next 15 years building that business, loving the journey and the lifestyle, whilst providing the freedom to raise my 2 beautiful children 

After all that time, I felt the pull back to the corporate world and its complexity, which I’d missed. When the directors of Talentpath and Dixon approached me, their vision and energy were impossible to ignore. Joining a powerhouse of female leaders, in a business with such strong foundations and opportunity to grow, felt like the perfect next step. 

 

Q: You’ve worked across global leadership and culture transformation. What experiences have most shaped your leadership style?

Jules’ response:

My leadership style is built on lived experience, plenty of trial and error, and an unwavering belief in the power of people. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about creating space for others to bring theirs. 

I’ve led through growth, change and challenge, and each experience has reinforced the importance of clarity and trust. These two things are non-negotiable if you want to build a thriving culture.  

Running my own business also taught me how to lead with both heart and head. When you’re responsible for everything from culture to delivery, you learn to listen deeply, trust your instincts and back your people fiercely. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible mentors who challenged and supported me along the way. Today, I lead with authenticity and care, but I’m also not afraid to make tough calls. When people feel safe and inspired, they do their best work. 

 

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve carried throughout your career that’s been key to your success?  

Jules’ response:

People first… always. 

You can’t achieve success unless your people are genuinely bought into the journey. Know them, care for them, challenge them, and help them grow. Authenticity is huge for me. People can tell when you’re being real and that builds trust. I also remind myself often that being respected is more important than being liked, though both are absolutely possible. 

 

Q: Recruitment is such a people-driven industry. How do you balance strategy with maintaining that human connection?

Jules’ response:

Recruitment is about people at its core. Every decision we make impacts someone’s life or career, so connection can never be an afterthought. But to lead effectively, you also need strategy. Strategy gives us the framework to scale, innovate, and deliver consistently – it also creates trust and safety for individuals and teams.    

That said, strategy will never outperform culture. My focus is always on culture first: providing clarity, vision and direction so that our people feel valued and aligned. I believe great outcomes come from teams who feel genuinely connected and empowered to succeed together. 

 

Looking Ahead: Shaping Dixon’s Next Chapter

Q: What drew you to Dixon Appointments and its partnership with Talentpath?

Jules’ response:

It was the people and the potential. I’ve known and admired Dionne Sharp for years, and watching what she and Jody Fazldeen have built at Talentpath has been inspiring. When they became majority shareholders in Dixon, it opened a new opportunity to evolve a brand that already had incredible heritage. 

We’re now building on that foundation to amplify what Dixon does best while expanding into new markets, particularly tech and commercial. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of this business. 

 

Q: Dixon has been a trusted partner to Melbourne organisations for over 25 years. How do you plan to build on that legacy?

Jules’ response:

That legacy of trust is our cornerstone. Dixon has long-standing relationships across government and higher education, built on deep understanding and exceptional delivery. We’ll continue to honour that while evolving for the future. 

Our partnership with Talentpath enables us to grow in new directions, expanding into technology, projects and broader commercial markets. We’re building a diverse, high-performing team that’s united by a shared commitment to excellence and genuine care for the people and organisations we support. 

 

Q: Where do you see Dixon’s greatest opportunities for growth?

Jules’ response:

Everywhere, honestly. 

There’s tremendous potential to deepen our relationships in higher education and government, especially in the tech space. But what excites me most is our opportunity to grow in the commercial market, offering our expertise to even more organisations and candidates.  

Our expansion into technology recruitment is a big focus too, and we’re already seeing great momentum. The possibilities feel endless. 

 

Q: What can clients, candidates, and the Dixon community expect under your leadership?

Jules’ response:

Energy, a relentless focus on delivery and excellence. 

For our clients, we’ll continue being the trusted partner they know, but with fresh momentum. We’re investing in smarter systems, expanding our capabilities, and strengthening our delivery. You’ll see more strategic partnerships, greater agility, and an even sharper focus on outcomes. 

For our candidates, we’re doubling down on experience. Real conversations. Honest feedback. Opportunities that align with both career ambitions and personal values. And as we grow into new markets, those opportunities will only expand. 

We’re also excited to launch new initiatives, like a quarterly in-person event series that brings industry experts together for meaningful conversations about the future of work. It’s just one example of how we’re adding value beyond the transaction.  

 

A Future Fueled by Connection and Possibility

As Dixon Appointments enters this new phase, one thing is clear: people will always remain at the heart of the business. Under Jules Seletto’s leadership, the combination of strategic vision, cultural strength and authentic connection is setting the stage for a powerful new era. 

As Dixon embarks on its next era of growth, Jules is connecting with those who want to shape the future of recruitment in Melbourne, whether that means partnering with Dixon to find exceptional talent or joining the team that makes it happen. 

Get in touch at jules@dixonappointments.com.au.